Device and method of forming collar stuffers



June 13, 1950 Filed March 25, 1949 A. J. LOGAN DEVICE AND METHOD OF FORMING COLLAR STUFFERS 3 Sheets-Sheet l FIG.I 6|

INVENTOR Ashley J. Logan ATTORNEYS June 13, 1950 A. J. LOGAN DEVICE AND METHOD OF FORMING COLLAR STUFFERS 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed March 25, 1949 ljl/ l// //////////////l III/ll Ill\/ 1/ mvzm-on Ashley J. Logan BY n n n I liiiiii ATTORNEYS June 13, 1950 LOGAN 2,511,214

DEVICE AND METHOD OF FORMING COLLAR STUFFERS Filed March 25, 1949 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 F|G.|5 42 E 40 7* 2 22 Ashle lf /////////////////1 ATTORNEY S I Patented June 13, 1950 UNITED DEVICE AND METHOD OF FORMING COLLAR STUFFERS Ashley J. Logan, Waterville, Maine, assignor to C. F. Hathaway 00., Waterville, Maine, a corporation of Maine Application March 25, 1949, Serial No. 83,343

11 Claims.

This invention relates to an improved collar stufier for shirt collars and to a novel device and method for forming such collar stuffers.

Shirts are generally folded with the collar projecting in upstanding position from the folded shirt body and it is therefore desirable to provide some inexpensive and disposable means for positively reinforcing the upstanding collar in order to preserve its original neat and uncrushed appearance against the inevitable abuses of shipping, handling and storage. One of the conventional and well-known arrangements intended for this purpose involves the use of a flexible cardboard stiffener which is inserted between the collar and neckband. This procedure is not only troublesome and time-consuming but frequently results in distortion of the collar, soiling of the collar along the lines defined by the stiffener edges and displacement of the stiffener. Furthermore Where it has been attempted to prevent the displacement of the adjacent forward ends of the stiffener, additional front inserts have been employed, resulting in a bulky, inflexible and generally unsatisfactory arrangement defeating the intended purposes of the stiffener.

Another well-known arrangement employs a loosely compacted ball of tissue paper or other filler material placed in the opening defined by the upstanding collar. Such ball stuifers are not only unsightly in appearance but easily become loose or displaced and do not give sufficient vertical reinforcement and positive support to the upstanding collar because of their inherently crude and amorphous nature.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved collar stuifer of exceedingly simple and inexpensive design which obviates the disadvantages hereinabove referred to and which is effective in a high degree for its intended purpose of reinforcing the upstanding collar of a folded shirt. The collar stuifer is die-formed about a marginal blank or insert which has been accurately pre-cut to the shape and size of a given shirt collar, which insert tapers gradually from a, central point or apex of minimum width corresponding to the front of the shirt collar and generally conforms closely to the collar contours. In forming the collar stuffer, one or more layers of a covering of tissue paper or the like are initially given the shape of a matrix corresponding to the ultimate shape of the collar stuffer by means of a punch inserted therewithin. After the punch has been removed, the stiffening insert is placed in inverted position within the concavity formed by the tissue paper and around the peripheral contour of the matrix with the ends of the insert overlapping. Following this, the marginal edges of the tissue paper are folded inwardly over the insert and down into the matrix and a second punch slightly smaller than the first punch is inserted into the matrix to crease, press and compact the inwardly folded portion of the tissue paper covering. The second punch preferably has a snug fit within the interior of the completed collar stuffer, and when it is removed from the matrix brings the stuffer with it. When the collar stuffer is inverted from its die position it is placed directly in the opening defined by the upstanding shirt collar and the top surface of the stuffer presents a neat appearance, being formed of a continuous, smooth covering of tissue paper. Even if not directly entered in the collar opening, the collar stuifer will maintain its shape and the infolded edges of the tissue paper will not come loose because of the pressing and compacting action of the second punch. The marginal blank or insert gives support to the collar stuffer and vertical reinforcement to the collar.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a simple device for forming a collar stuffer of the character indicated, the device including a pair of punches each of which may be selectively disposed in operative positions with respect to a matrix in order to form the collar stuifer.

An additional object of the invention is the provision of a device of the character indicated for forming collar stuffers, having a matrix and a pair of punches carried on a supporting member or die holder swingable toward the matrix in a vertical plane, the supporting member being further arranged in such a manner as to interchangeably dispose said punches in operative position with respect to the matrix.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a device of the character indicated having simple, releasable locking means for selectively disposing each of said punches in operative position.

The foregoing objects as well as additional objects and advantages of the invention will be readily apparent in the course of the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention, and wherein:

Fig. 1 is a plan view of a blank from which the reinforcing insert of the collar s-tuifer may be formed;

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the shaped reinforcing insert as it is to be set into the matrix;

Fig. 3 is a sectional view of the insert on line 33 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 3 showing a covering of tissue paper or the like placed about the reinforcing insert to form the collar stuffer;

Figs. 5, 6, 7, and 8 are sectional views illustrating sequential steps in the formation of the collar stuffer. Fig. 5 illustrates the formation of the tissue paper covering by means of a first punch. Fig. 6 shows the reinforcing insert installed in position around the periphery of the matrix after the removal of the first punch. Fig. 7 shows the edges of the tissue paper covering folded inwardly over the reinforcing insert. Fig. 8 shows a second punch in position in order to press and compact the inwardly folded portion of the tissue paper covering in the final formation of the collar stuffer.

Fig. 9 is a front elevation of a device for forming the collar stuffer showing one of the punches in operative position;

Fig. 10 is a side elevation, partly in section, of the device;

Fig. 11 is a top plan view of the device;

Figs. 12, 13 and 14 illustrate a modified locking arrangement for releasably engaging the rotary die holder in selective operative positions. Fig. 12 is an enlarged sectional detail view of the die holder, mounting ring and associated elements. Fig. 13 is a sectional view taken on line |3l3 of Fig. 14. Fig. 14 is a sectional view taken on line I4M- of Fig. 12.

Fig. 15 is an enlarged detail view of the locking arrangement for the rotary die holder illustrated in Figs. 10 and 11. Referring first to Figs. 9, 10 and 11 of the drawings the device for forming the collar stuffer includes a base member In of wood or other suitable material. A pair of upright supports or brackets H are supported on a mounting plate l2 fixed on base member as by means of screws [3. An elongated shaft or arm is is pivotally mounted between brackets II for movement in a vertical plane in any suitable manner, as by means of a bearing member l having reduced end portions which pass through suitably disposed apertures in brackets H. End caps l6 serve to rotatably secure bearing member [5 in position by means of screws I! passing through said end caps and threadably engaged with said bearing member. A spacer stud l8 may be secured between brackets H adjacent their upper ends by means of nuts I9.

Base member i0 is provided with a recess for retaining a matrix 20 which cooperates with a pair of punches in order to form the collar stuffer, each of said punches being selectively disposable in operative position on pivoted shaft 14 with respect to said matrix, as will be fully described hereinafter.

Pivoted shaft 14 carries a fixed mounting element or backing block 2| which may be supported adjacent the end of said shaft on a reduced portion thereof, as shown in Fig. 10. Said fixed backing block takes the thrust of a rotary mounting element or ring 22 which carries a pair of locating pins 23 serving to secure a die holder member 24 which is preferably in the form of a U-shaped bracket. Locating pins 23 pass through suitably disposed holes in the transverse arm of member 24 and said die holder member and mounting ring are retained rotatably on shaft M by means of a washer 25 and wing nut 26 or other suitable arrangement.

A pair of wall dies 21 and 28 are mounted at opposite ends of die holder 24 by means of screws 29, one of said dies fitting snugly within the matrix 20 and the other of said dies being somewhat smaller. The longer punch 21 preferably has a flat overhanging portion 30 at the upper edge thereof for pressing and flattening out the marginal portion of the covering for the collar stuffer which extends outwardly of the matrix 20 in the first step in the formation of the collar stuffer, as shown in Figs. 10 and 11. A pair of handle brackets 3| is fastened to die holder member 24 for supporting the handle element 32 which may be employed for selectively manipulating each of the punches 2'! and 28 into operative position with respect to the matrix 20 by rotation of said die holder member.

Locking means are provided for releasably and selectively disposing each of the punches 21 and 28 in operative position with respect to the matrix 29. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figs. 10 and 11 and 15, this locking arrangement includes a resilient tongue or flat spring 40 supported on shaft I4 by means of a fixed collar 4!. The free end of tongue 40 carries a projection or ball 42 insertable within each of a pair of complementary locking recesses 43 formed at diametrically opposite points in the periphery of rotary mounting ring 22. Thus one of the punches 21 and 28 may be rotated into operative position and releasably retained by manipulating the handle 32 until the ball 42 of tongue 40 enters the appropriate locking recess 43, accompanied by an audible click to indicate proper setting of the die. The opposite punch may be located in operative position by rotating the die holder 24 and mounting ring 22 through I degrees.

Figs. 12, 13 and 14 illustrate a modified form of locking arrangement for selectively disposing the punches in operative position, like reference numerals being used for like parts with respect to the initial embodiment. Backing block 2 l is provided with a pair of opposed axial bores 48 for the reception of ball detents 44 which are constantly urged against the rotary mounting ring 22' by means of adjustable screws 45 and compression springs 46 interposed between said screws and said ball detents. Mounting ring 22' is formed with opposed backing recesses 41 registrable with the opposed axial bores of block 2| for the reception of ball detents 44. The punches may be successively disposed in operative position by degree rotation of die holder member 24.

The lowering of pivot shaft id to dispose one of the punches 2'! or 28 within the matrix and the subsequent withdrawal of the punch may be accomplished manually or by means of a foot pedal (not shown). A return spring 50 may have one end secured to a mounting collar 5| at the rearward end of pivot shaft I4 and its other end secured to a spring clip 52 secured to mounting plate I2 in order to aid in the manipulation of the punches into and out of the matrix. As shown in Fig. 10, a linkage 53 may be secured to pivot shaft 14 by means of collar member 54, the other end of said linkage being connected with a pedal (not shown) for foot operation of the device.

In actual operation of the device one or more layers of tissue paper 60 or the like are first placed over the matrix 20. The larger punch 21 is then adjusted to operative position and entered into the matrix thereby shaping the tissue paper layers 60, as shown in Fig. 5. The overhanging portion of punch 21 flattens out the marginal portions of the layers 60 which extend outwardly of the matrix 20, said layers being much larger than the die aperture. After withdrawal of the punch 21, a reinforcing insert 6| of cardboard or other suitable materialis placed within the matrix 20 and shaped about the periphery thereof by overlapping the ends 6m of said insert in substantially the manner illustrated in Figs. 2 and 6. As best shown in Fig. 1, insert 6| tapers gradually from a central apex 62 of minimum width corresponding to the front of the shirt collar and generally conforms closely to the collar contour. The bottom of the matrix 20 is of course correspondingly tapered upwardly toward its apex to accommodate the insert 6|, as best shown in Fig. 10.

After installation of the insert '6! within the matrix 20 the externally projecting portions 60a, of tissue paper layers 60 are folded inwardly over insert 6| and down into the matrix 20, as shown in Fig. '7. The die holder 29 is then reversed to bring the slightly smaller punch 28 into the lower operative position, whereupon arm I4 is again lowered to seat saidpunch, as shown in Fig. 8, thereby pressing and compacting the inwardly folded portions 60a of tissue paper layers 60 to complete the formation of the collar stuffer. The smaller second punch 28 preferably has a snug fit within the collar stuffer in order to securely press and compact portions 600. of layers 60 and when the punch is withdrawn from the matrix 20 it will carry the completed collar stufier which may be removed easily.

When the collar stuifer thus formed is inverted from its die position it is immediately ready for use and may be placed directly in the collar opening defined by the upstanding collar of a folded shirt. The top surface of the stuifer presents a neat appearance, being formed of a continuous smooth covering of tissue paper or the like. The collar stuffers may be stored prior to their actual use without losing their shape and the compacted inwardly folded edges of the tissue paper covering wil1 not come loose. The reinforcing insert 6| retains the shape of the collar in which the stufifer is inserted and provides positive vertical reinforcement for the collar.

It is contemplated to produce the punches 21 and 28 and the corresponding matrix 20 in a graduated series of sizes corresponding to conventional shirt collar sizes. Each pair of punches may be mounted on a separate die holder member 24 and the corresponding variously sized matrices may be interchangeably mounted on the base element IU of the device.

Since certain modifications may be made in the device of the present invention and in the method of forming the collar stuifers without departing from the scope thereof, it is intended that all matter contained in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted merely as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

What is claimed is:

1. A device for forming collar stufiers comprising a base member, a matrix retained by said base member, a pair of punches cooperating with said matrix in the formation of the collar stuffer, and vertically swingable toward said matrix, each of said punches being selectively disposable in operative position with respect to said matrix,

and releasable locking means for retaining each of said punches in operative position.

2. A device for forming collar stuffers, comprising a base member, a, matrix retained by said base member, an arm pivoted on said base member and vertically swingable toward and away from said matrix, a pair of punches rotatably mounted on said arm for cooperation with said matrix in the formation of the collar stuffer, each of said punches being selectively disposable in operative position with respect to said matrix, and releasable locking means for retaining each of said punches in operative position.

3. A device for forming collar stuffers, comprising a base member, a matrix retained by said base member, an arm pivoted on said base member and Vertically swingable toward and away from said matrix, a rotatable die holder mounted on said arm at one end thereof, a pair of opposed punches carried by said die holder for cooperation with said matrix in the formation of the collar stuifer, each of said punches being selectively disposable in operative position with respect to said matrix, one of said punches having a flat overhanging marginal portion abutting said base member in the seated position of said punch, the other of said punches being similar in contour and slightly smaller in shape than said first mentioned punch, and releasable looking means for retaining each of said punches in operative position.

4. A device for forming collar stuffers, comprising a base member, a matrix retained by said base member, an arm pivoted on said base member and vertically swingable toward and away from said matrix, a fixed backing block mounted on said arm, a rotary mounting ring carried adjacent said backing block, a die holder removably associated with said mounting ring, a pair of opposed punches carried by said die holder for cooperation with said matrix in the formation of the collar stuifer, each of said punches being selectively disposable in operative positions With respect to said matrix, and releasable looking means for retaining each of said punches in operative position.

5. A device in accordance with claim 4 wherein one of said punches is provided with a flat overhanging marginal portion abutting said base member in the stated position of the punch, the other of said punches being similar in contour and slightly smaller in shape than said first mentioned punch.

6. A device in accordance with claim 4 wherein said locking means comprises a resilient tongue supported on said arm and having a ball projection at its free end, said rotary mounting ring having a pair of diametrically opposed recesses for the reception of said ball projection in the operative positions of each of said punches.

7. A device for forming collar stuffers, comprising a base member, a matrix retained by said base member, an arm pivoted on said base member and vertically swingable toward and away from said matrix, a fixed backing block mounted on said arm, a rotary mounting ring carried adjacent said backing block, a die holder removably associated with said mounting ring, a pair of opposed punches carried by said die holder for cooperation with said matrix in the formation of the collar stuffer, each of said punches being selectively disposable in operative position with respect to said matrix, said backing block having a pair of axially extending bores, spring-urged ball detents Within said bores constantly pressing against said rotary mounting ring, said rotary mounting ring having a pair of opposed recesses registrable with said bores for the reception of said ball detents in the operative position of each of said punches.

8. A devicein accordance with claim 7 wherein one of said punches is provided with a fiat overhanging marginal portion abutting said base member in the seated position of the punch, the other of said punches being similar in contour and slightly smaller in shape than said first mentioned punch.

9. Method of forming collar stuffers which comprises the steps of placing layers of outer covering material over a matrix havin a relatively small die aperture with respect to the dimensions of said outer covering layers, shaping said covering layers by seating a punch within said matrix, removing said punch, inserting a flexible reinforcing member Within said matrix around the periphery of the die aperture, folding the outwardly projecting portions of said covering layers over said reinforcing member and into said matrix, and compacting the inwardly folded portion of said covering layers within said matrix and against said reinforcing member.

10. Method of forming collar stuffers which comprises the steps of placing layers of outer covering material over a matrix having a relatively small die aperture with respect to the dimensions of said outer covering layers, shaping said covering layers by seatig a'first punch within said matrix, removing said first punch, inserting a flexible reinforcing member within said matrix around the vperiphery of the die aperture, foldin the outwardly projecting portions of said covering layers over a second punch of similar contour and slightly smaller size than said first punch within said matrix for compacting the inwardly folded portion of said covering layers within said matrix and against said reinforcing member.

11. Method of forming collar stuifers which comprises the steps of placing layers of outer covering material over a matrix having a relatively small die aperture with respect to the dimensions of said outer covering layers, shaping said covering layers by seatin a first punch within said matrix, removing said first punch, shaping a flexible reinforcing member within said matrix around the periphery of the die aperture with the ends of the reinforcing member overlapping each other, folding the outwardly projecting portions of said covering layers over said reinforcing member and into said matrix, and seating a second punch of similar contour and slightly smaller size than said first punch within said matrix for compacting the inwardly folded portion of said covering layers within said matrix and against said reinforcing member.

ASHLEY J. LOGAN.

No references cited. 

